Review: Laura Rider’s Masterpiece

Laura and Charlie Rider seem to have a happy, if somewhat bland, marriage. They own and operate the beautiful Prairie Wind Farm nursery in a small town in Wisconsin. Laura is the brains behind the nursery and Charlie is the muscle. Laura admires Jenny Faroli, the married host of a popular radio talk show who lives in the same small town. Laura also dreams of writing a romance novel.

When Charlie and Jenny meet in a chance encounter one evening, Laura encourages Charlie to contact Jenny, and in the beginning, even helps him write the emails. She says Charlie needs more friends, but she really has ulterior motives for suggesting the friendship. Jenny is captivated by the emails and her relationship with Charlie evolves into something no one expects.

Laura Rider’s Masterpiece by Jane Hamilton is a small book that packs a powerful punch. The story is compelling and well written. Laura wasn’t a very likable character because she was so manipulative, yet somehow I just couldn’t hate her. Jane Hamilton’s writing skills shine in this one. She has written two other novels – The Book of Ruth and A Map of the World. This book will be published on April 9, 2009. (This book does contain sexual situations and language.)